There are many options out there for dual displays (not sure exactly which models off-hand, I'm still fairly new to it all myself), but there are plenty that offer remote displays, or syncing with iPhones/iPads etc. Easy way is to pull up an owners manual online for the units you're considering, and see if they list it as an option.

Thank you, charlzo. I checked the C-70 manual which referred me to the installation instructions. The installation instructions show that the C-70 supports external wind, knot log, and depth displays but no supplemental chartplotter display.

I'm disappointed. I frequently refer to the data from the chartplotter when at the helm. Going below to get this information strikes me as inconvenient and when I'm the sole person on watch dangerous.

These instruments are quite weather resistant. Why would they be mounted below? Theft protection?

Once you start looking into electronics, even for units 2-3 years old, things can quickly spiral out of control.

My own view is that chart plotters were mounted down below because that's where the 'navigator' worked and he would need it there. I don't believe that's how it works anymore and I certainly want the plotter at the helm where I can use it while actually sailing.

You mentioned 'repeater,' what do you mean by that? Typically, a repeater will display information like boat speed, depth, wind information, and maybe lat / lon and even waypoint information (bearing, distance, time, etc.). If that's what you want you should be able to add a repeater, like the i70, which could display lots and lots of information. The downside of that is cost - the i70 is around $500 and then you would need the appropriate networking cables.

If you want to see the chartplotter display, then you really need another or new plotter.

Personally, I would just move the C70 up to the helm and be done with it. If you want information down below then use an old, cheap laptop, or a tablet with GPS or buy a cheap plotter.

Yes move the plotter up to the helm. Down below I would use an iPad or old laptop with Open CPN a free chart software that is well supported and will integrate with future electronics. It will even work on an old netbook, does not require much.

I certainly want the plotter at the helm where I can use it while actually sailing.

Which is a discussion in and of itself. I think the stack of electronics on the pedestal so common today is ill-advised. Instruments should be forward, preferably over the companionway where they can be seen from anywhere in the cockpit. A chartplotter should be under the dodger preferably to port.

I certainly don't want instruments mounted so high that they block sight, or will get grabbed or otherwise broken.

I like to have the plotter near the wheel so I can easily use it for the task at hand. If I'm racing I want to see distance and time to waypoints. If I'm anchoring I want to see the SONAR display. If I'm just daysailing I might not even turn it on. If I'm cruising and in bad visibility or at night or in a crowded area I want to see AIS targets. I don't want to have to move back and forth between the pedestal and the companionway to make changes.

The plotter on my O'day is 5" Lowrance unit. MyC&C has a Garmin 7". Neither one takes up much space. The O'day has the wind, speed, and depth instruments mounted above the companionway. They are old Datamarine units and can be a little hard to read. The C&C has Raymarine ST60 units mounted in the bulkhead at the forward end of the cockpit, next to the companionway.

Which is a discussion in and of itself. I think the stack of electronics on the pedestal so common today is ill-advised. Instruments should be forward, preferably over the companionway where they can be seen from anywhere in the cockpit. A chartplotter should be under the dodger preferably to port.

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